I often type “TGC, [insert issue]” into my search bar, then send what I find to people I love as an example of how to think biblically.
November 5, 2026
TGC Logo
In Partnership With
Sponsorship Image
Welcome to our weekly roundup of articles, podcasts, videos, and links curated by pastors, for pastors—to equip and encourage you in your ministry. You don’t have to shepherd alone. Let’s go.
WORD OF THE WEEK

When You’re a Busy Pastor

Written by Steve Bateman, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in North Alabama.

One of our church’s missionaries recently texted to ask me if I’d interacted with Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher Watkins. I replied that I’d bought it because it was highly recommended, started reading it, but hadn’t had a chance to finish it. In place of sending my own analysis, I typed the keywords “TGC, Christopher Watkins, theory,” into my search engine, found reviews by Andrew Moody and Carl Trueman, and sent my friend the links.

This is the story of my pastoral life. So many good books, so precious little time. I’ve done book reviews for TGC, but I can’t review all of them. So I often type “TGC, _________” into my search bar, read and approve the article, then send it to people I love as an example of how to think biblically about a particular issue.

What a privilege to shepherd God’s people—from the unspeakable honor of feeding them on the Lord’s Day to equipping “the saints for the work of the ministry” throughout the week (Eph. 4:12). But there are an unprecedented number of issues for Christians to navigate, and I can’t be an expert on all of them. Even if I had the ability, I wouldn’t have the time.

I need reliable help from a source that shares my evangelical and Reformed theological commitments. It’s good to know I can type “TGC, AI” and immediately find at least six articles on how to think biblically about artificial intelligence. It’s helpful when I can follow up counseling appointments with church members by sending them a relevant article that can take them to a deeper level of understanding. More than once, I’ve typed “TGC, attending same sex weddings” to help church members think and act according to Scripture.

That doesn’t mean I agree with every article TGC posts, but I often find differing views on second- or third-tier issues that model charitable debate among Christ-lovers. For example, type in “TGC, tithing” and see what happens. I also check other reliable websites in addition to TGC, but I’m a busy pastor with a long to-do list and more a thousand emails in my inbox, so I usually go to TGC first.

—Steve

Resource Roundup

The FAQs: What You Should Know About the PCA General Assembly

Per Almquist writes this explainer for those outside of or new to connectional churches, or those needing reminders about how they work.

Funerals

In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Ligon Duncan and Matt Smethurst discuss the powerful opportunity that funerals present for pastors to hold out gospel hope for grieving people.
Editor’s Pick: 9 Books on Technology

In this roundup, the contributors to Scrolling Ourselves to Death recommend books that will encourage your people to wrestle with the effects of technology, especially smartphones.

Around the Web

Here are links to other great resources worth your time:

  • J. A. Medders shows how the Devil’s contextless use of Psalm 91 against Jesus reveals why understanding surrounding verses and broader biblical themes is essential for spiritual warfare and pastoral counseling.

  • Cameron Shaffer says AI will soon render current online theological education obsolete by delivering superior content more cheaply and personally, but seminaries can adapt by refocusing on what technology can’t provide—embodied formation, mentorship, and community-based pastoral development.

  • Matt Smethurst presents the strongest biblical arguments on both sides of whether women can serve as deacons, examining key passages like 1 Timothy 3:11, Acts 6, and Romans 16:1–2 with careful exegetical analysis.

Find more resources for pastors at tgc.org/pastors.
Advertisement